Tacoma, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Red-Light Cameras (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine
- $145 per infraction
- Driving record
- Not reported, civil only
- School zones
- Fine may be doubled
- Signage
- Required at all camera sites
- State authority
- RCW 46.63.220
Summary
Tacoma runs automated red-light, railroad-crossing, and school and hospital speed-zone cameras under Chapter 11.60, authorized by state law, with signs posted at every camera location and a standard $145 civil infraction fine.
A. Pursuant to RCW 46.63.220, as it exists or is hereinafter amended, the City has authorized the use automated traffic safety cameras and related automated systems. ... D. The automated traffic safety cameras and related systems can detect one or more of the following infractions ...: 1. Stop light infractions; 2. Railroad grade crossing violations; or 3. Speed zone violations, including: ... c. School speed zones; d. School walk zones;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 11.60 authorizes automated traffic safety cameras under RCW 46.63.220 for red-light, railroad-crossing, and speed-zone enforcement, covering hospital, park, school, and school-walk zones plus work zones with workers present and city-classified state highways. Police issue infraction notices from the camera images; the registered owner gets a mailed notice within 14 days and may request a hearing. Cameras may photograph only the vehicle and plate, never driver or passenger faces, and the city must post signs marking every enforcement location. Infractions are civil, are not part of the driver's record, and the City Manager may double the fine in school speed zones.
Violations & Fines
Camera infractions are $145 civil penalties, not moving violations on your driving record; the City Manager may double the fine for school speed-zone infractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Tacoma camera ticket affect my driving record?
What can Tacoma's traffic cameras photograph?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Red-Light Cameras in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle red-light cameras.